COLUMBIA CITY — After recently being named the 2012 National American Miss Indiana Cover Girl, 15-year-old Macayla Cramer of South Whitley, hopes to attend nationals at Disneyland in California to be held in November. There, she aims to spread awareness for Fibromyalgia, a nerve disorder.
“Cover girl is for the girl who sold the most ads for an ad book,” said Cramer. “I found I was it (cover girl) because they put it in this book that they hand out to all the parents. I was flipping through my mom’s and I found it.”
The state competition, included 107 girls, and took place at the Indianapolis Marriot Hotel. Here, Cramer gave an interview, participated in community involvement, donned both formal wear and casual wear.
With all she has already completed, Cramer aspires to do more to spread awareness for Teenage Fibromyalgia.
She was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia on her 13th birthday at Riley Children’s Hospital. While the nerve disorder is believed to be uncommon in children and teenagers, Cramer said it creates many complications.
“It has been almost three years since I was diagnosed; I still struggle every day,” said Cramer. “It has and forever will change my life.”
The pain, which began in her stomach, eventually lead to her whole body.
“You get thrown into it by a traumatic event, and I had a knee surgery,” said Cramer. “Coming out of the surgery, I had a panic attack, and it threw me into Fibromyalgia.”
Cramer currently visits her doctor in Fort Wayne, who suggested she do home bound school, due to all the complications.
“Even through all of this, I am a girl with dreams,” said Cramer. “I dream of some day helping special needs children in the medical field, but for now I am spreading awareness about teenage Fibromyalgia.”
Cramer needs sponsors to help fund her competition fee and her transportation to nationals. For those who would like to sponsor Cramer, email her at cramermac96@yahoo.com[2] or call 609-4589.